I have always been a great fan of Emma Cooper’s quirky podcast, The Alternative Kitchen Garden. So when I heard the podcast was becoming a book, I was pretty intrigued. This book sets out to instruct eco-conscious gardeners in the art of gardening lovingly. It also gives readers a glimpse into Cooper’s own journey as a gardener, and personal stories are always a lovely thread to any practical book.

And this book really is bursting with practical knowledge. The A to Z format means basic explanations of the difference betwen annuals and perennials sit alongside instructions on how to grow exotic achocha. It is the perfect book to leaf through while waiting for something to cook, or just before going to sleep. Cooper’s chatty style makes it very easy to pick up a great deal of knowledge without even realising.

This book is perfect for the novice gardener, or for someone wishing to make the switch from years of chemical warfare to eco-friendly gardening practices. There are tips on composting, homegrown fertilisers and seed saving, as well as signposts to other organisations and charities who can help you set up your own alternative kitchen garden.

Speaking from a purely superficial standpoint, the design of the book is really quite disappointing. It’s not that it is a boring, practical sort of design: it’s more that the book just looks a little outdated already. It could have been published in the 1980s without anyone noticing. This is not an inspirational book: it is a practical book which provides a great deal of advice. But once you reach beyond the cover, you’ll find yourself inspired in a far more effective fashion. And your garden will love you for it.